Effortless Elegance: How to Style Your Coffee Table Like a Designer

May 30, 2025

Effortless Elegance: How to Style Your Coffee Table Like a Designer

Your coffee table top is more than just a surface. It’s a chance to express your style and bring 

personality to your living space. Here are Sojo’s 3 easy tips to help you get the look just right.

1. Layer Different Heights

Create visual interest and depth by thoughtfully combining objects of varying heights, shapes, and textures.

  • Introduce Visual Depth: Mixing objects of varying heights adds dimension and prevents the arrangement from feeling flat or monotonous.
  • Use Books as a Foundation: Stack coffee table books to create a solid base, then top with a smaller decorative item like a candle, bowl, or small sculpture to add layers.
  • Offset Taller Items: Position the tallest piece slightly off-centre to maintain balance and keep the layout visually dynamic rather than symmetrical.
  • Vary Shapes and Textures: Combine round, square, and organic forms to further enhance interest and avoid visual repetition.

2. Anchor with a Tray

A tray adds structure and keeps your table looking tidy and intentional.

  • Establishes Visual Structure: A tray serves as a defined zone for decor, helping to organise items and create a cohesive, intentional arrangement.
  • Adds Depth and Contrast: Choose a tray in a contrasting material or colour to the surface to introduce texture and visual interest.
  • Creates a Curated Look: Use the tray to group smaller decorative objects, such as candles, sculptural pieces, or meaningful keepsakes. This prevents items from appearing scattered and enhances the overall composition.
  • Balances Space Effectively: Leaving the tray empty can provide breathing room, helping to balance busier areas of the table and avoid visual clutter.

3. Add a Touch of Nature

Bring warmth and balance to your coffee table by incorporating natural elements.

  • Introduce Organic Warmth: Incorporating natural elements brings a sense of freshness and balance to the space, softening the overall aesthetic.
  • Use Greenery or dried stems: A small arrangement of greenery or dried stems in a stylish vase can instantly uplift the surface.
  • Keep It Curated: Stick to 3–5 well-chosen pieces to maintain a clean, intentional look.

Final Thoughts:

At Sojo, we believe a beautifully styled coffee table strikes the perfect balance between form and function. By applying these simple tips, you can create a surface that not only enhances your space visually but also fits seamlessly into your daily life, reflecting your style with intentionality and ease.

Author

Tel: +64 21 823 743 julie@sojodesign.co.nz